KC mayor says ‘no’ to Missouri auditor’s request to audit the water department

Missouri Auditor Tom Schweich sent a letter to Mayor Sly James in July saying that he had received complaints about the water department’s performance and that he wanted to do an audit, but he didn’t have authority to do it on his own. He said the City Council could request a state audit, with the payment structure to be worked out. But James, after polling his City Council colleagues, sent a response declining the offer.

Mayor Sly James has responded, “Thanks, but no thanks,” to Missouri Auditor Tom Schweich’s proposal to audit Kansas City’s Water Services Department.

Schweich sent a letter to James in July saying that he had received complaints about the water department’s performance and that he wanted to do an audit, but he didn’t have authority to do it on his own. He said the City Council could request a state audit, with the payment structure to be worked out.

But James, after polling his City Council colleagues, sent a response Wednesday declining the offer.

The mayor said the water department staff is working diligently with a utilities expert and other consultants to address its challenges and he is confident it will show progress. James pointed out that citizen satisfaction scores for water services have improved in the past year.